Jackie's Baked Potato Soup

 

Brandon's Aunt Katie(Paula's sister) made this soup one winter when we went to a cabin up on Mt. Hood. It was snowy outside, and after having fun in the snow, this was a PERFECT soup to devour afterwords. Of course, I serve this one every winter now, I just LOVE this. This recipe is from Jackie, their mother(who made the rib sauce), and I'm so GLAD she passed this one on. Thanks Aunt Katie!

Baked Potato Soup
4 large baking potatoes
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup flour
6 cups milk(I use fat free)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese*
12 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 green onions, chopped
1 8oz sour cream (I use Tillamook Fat Free)

Wash potatoes, prick and bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour, or until done. Let cool. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise, scoop out and reserve the pulp. Discard shells.

Melt butter in a dutch oven(I just use a sauce pan) over low heat, add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Gradually add milk, cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.

Stir in potato, salt, pepper, 1 cup cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. Cook until heated(do not boil).

*Just as you are ready to serve, stir in remaining 1/2 cup cheese.(I just put it all in at once.)
Makes 2 1/2 quarts

Enjoy!